Mold Issues - Landlord Forum thread

Mold Issues by Rob on July 3, 2012 @22:46

Tenants first month into her lease she singled mother with two children complaint about mold in the house. House never had a history of mold with other tenants. We had notice on her first complaint (end of the month) the Air conditioner was not on and was very humid. She stated that she looking to save electricity? On the 2nd complaint (end of the month) she complaint of mold in the closet. This time around there's evident however, room was kept closed and ceiling vent was closed as well with window sun light directly shinning in the closet door. She stated that she has the A/C on? I feel that tenant is looking to break one year lease agreement? Please advised my LL buddies.

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Re: Mold Issues by Kathy (WI) on July 3, 2012 @23:07	[ Reply ]

If you are lucky she is looking to break the lease. Or she could be angling for free rent.

Re: Mold Issues

Re: Mold Issues by Sara on July 3, 2012 @23:59	[ Reply ]

Mold needs three things to survive; Oxygen, Food Source, and moisture. Have you checked for leaks? Your feeling could be wrong, quit guessing and check it out!

Re: Mold Issues by Micah on July 4, 2012 @06:08	[ Reply ]

I believe that the harmful molds don't like the sunlight. They like hot, humid, dark places like basements and inside walls. Chances are she has mildew if anything at all. Tell her to open the vents so that the mildew will die. Get rid of the humidity and you get rid of the problem. Try some of those Damp Rid packs from Home Depot if she doesn't want to run the AC. Also, offer her the easy-out option and find a good tenant instead!

Re: Mold Issues by Katiekate (New York) on July 4, 2012 @06:52	[ Reply ]

I would send to this tenant a letter. In this letter I would explain that the only mold which is a health hazard is so rare she will be hit by lightning before she will ever encounter black mold. Black mold needs total darkness..not going to grow where anyone except home renovators will find it. Yes, some people have allergies to the spores of mold, that doesn't not make it a health issue. Some people are allergic to golden rod too, yet we don't see massive public campaigns to kill it all off. Suggest she report it to the local health department if she doesn't believe it. The health department won't even take down a report...because it isn't a health issue, and they aren't going to waste their time with it. Geez...how did people ever get the idea that any and all mold is dangerous? Also, in this letter outline exactly that her actions are causing this problem with mildew: darkness, vents closed, A/C off. Mildew will cause stains that cannot be removed, thus causing damage to the unit which she will be billed for when she moves out. Document now that you advised her what she needs to do to clear up the situation and the cost to her if she fails. I think she is trying to set up a situation where is she next going to try to scam free rent from you claiming the place isn't habitable.

Re: Mold Issues

Re: Mold Issues by Anonymous on July 4, 2012 @08:47	[ Reply ]

What State are you located in?

Re: Mold Issues by Douglas (KS) on July 4, 2012 @23:13	[ Reply ]

"We had notice on her first complaint (end of the month) the Air conditioner was not on and was very humid." There is no requirement for a tenant to use A/C, so this makes no sense.

Re: Mold Issues